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When you go out and buy a superhero toy for your kid, have you ever for a moment reflected on how the choice of this toy may impact your kid’s psyche? Or ever noticed little boys’ superhero gimmicks when dressed in their favorite Superman t-shirts?
So what is it with the superhero craze? Is it good or is it bad? Let us discuss in detail about the psychological impact of superheroes on children-
Since ages Superheroes have held great fascination among young minds. The media has added to fuel the craze. Presenting the fantasy characters in a light that kids see them as their role models, their adventures and actions influence the little impressionable souls quite highly. So much so that children often start to emulate these larger than life figures. Now, while these goodie-good superheroes can on one hand be a positive source of inspiration for our kids, the daredevil acts superheroes are involved in, can have a negative impact as well.
Superhero tales, both in books and T.V. Programs, are filled with acts of violence. So, isn’t this long-stretched exposure to such violent imagery a risk for our kids? Indeed, it is.
Next question- How to deal with the situation?
Eliminate Superheroes from our kids’ lives? NO
Stop thinking about it, for you cannot stop the trend? NO
Then What???
Simple and effective measure- Balance it out. Understand, how can you positively mould the Superhero Craze in the progressive development of your child.
Step 1
Limit their Screen Time
Excess of everything is bad, and that is what actually imposes a threat. When the child will all day watch superhero films and programs, their head will be all filled only one kind of content. The fantasy world will grip them, and naturally this excessive viewing will adversely impact them. Children imitate and adopt traits of those who spend the majority of their time with. So, when they spend 10-12 hours of their waking hours with these superheroes, they will start looking at them as their companions and would want to do all that they do. That is where the problem will begin.
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Step 2
Don’t let them Alone
Don’t send your kids alone for a superhero movie. An adult accompanying them is a must. Even at home keep a check and routinely sit besides your kid/s while they enjoy their favorite superhero series. Being there can help you mould their minds, being there also helps in observing how is your child interpreting what he sees. If you see even a hint of them getting influenced by the darker and the negative aspects, show them the positive. Divert their attention towards the humanitarian and the compassionate side of these action figures, rather than the violent one.
Step 3
Help Your Child Distinguish Between Reality & Fantasy
Sometimes, kids begin to construct their own fantasy world while watching such superhero tales. They begin to believe there is a superhero out there, who will rescue them as and when they will be in trouble. Help your child distinguish between reality and fantasy. Explain to them that these are just symbolic figures. While, you can keep this fantasy viewing limited to their amusement, also encourage them to read and watch programs and interviews of real-life heroes. Contrast and compare those reality and fiction stories and keep their expectations from the real world in check.
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Step 4
Don’t Be Over-anxious
If you think you cannot follow the above 3-steps, you are probably over-thinking. It is not that hard. There is no need to act out. Just stay calm and trust your parenting. Don’t panic if you see your child running around the house in his Superman/Spiderman costume and role-playing them. It is absolutely alright, unless and until he is showing any signs of unusual aggression or seems obsessed with them.
Remember, the root of the issue is that often times, parents are unaware of things. But those who are, don’t need to fret. You only have to be there with your child and be observant enough to see and know, what he is doing and probably what he is thinking. Talk it out and let your child be. Don’t take away from them those little fun element that makes childhood the most special phase of life. So don’t deprive them of the Superhero part!
